The Best Western Plus Heritage Inn in Bellingham recently received the hotel chain’s “Green Award” during a Best Western International Convention held in San Antonio, Texas.  The honor is given to Best Western hotels that demonstrate a commitment to sustaining resources and reducing their carbon footprints. Hotels receiving this award comply with “green” guidelines from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and meet other quality and service standards.

Launching Success Learning Store in Bellingham reports it has been able to make $6,150 in donations in the past year to 56 schools and nonprofit groups that help children. Donations focused on organizations that have direct impact on needy children, such as Agape House with Lighthouse Mission Ministries. Launching Success is also a business partner and supporter of The Firs campground, and provided a large percentage of its donations and gifts to that organization, as well.

Hannah Truong, a senior at Squalicum High School in Bellingham, has been named the 2013 National Student Volunteer of the Year by Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars. She was one of 83 graduating seniors from Whatcom County to receive a scholarship through the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Bellingham Dollars for Scholars program. Truong, who will attend Yale University upon graduation, appeared in an episode of Katie Couric’s talk show, “Katie,” on Monday, Oct. 28.

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